Shōchū Brewery

There are more than 100 shōchū breweries in Kagoshima and more than 60 of them offer tours that explain the process of distilling this local spirit. Though often made from rice, shōchū is not sake—it's almost twice as strong (though weaker than vodka, whisky and other spirits). Other local flavors can be sampled at the shops at the Sengan-en Garden and Villa where vendors sell delicacies like satsuma a’ge (a fried fish cake) and karukan (a popular local sweet). Alongside gifts ready to be consumed are more lasting crafts. Check out the Satsuma Kiriko Cut Glass Gallery for traditional Kagoshima-style cut glass.